In brief
In the wake of a tragic shooting at a Michigan church, an online fundraiser organized by Dave Butler has garnered over $275,000 to support the family of the shooter. The act has been recognized as a response rooted in love and forgiveness, reflecting the values of the Latter-day Saints community. Amid grief, many contributors expressed their compassion for the shooter's family, hoping for healing amidst the tragedy that resulted in four deaths and significant injuries.
LANSING, Mich. — An online fundraiser launched to support the family of the man responsible for a deadly attack at a Michigan church has surprisingly raised over $275,000. Initiated by Dave Butler, a long-time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the campaign aims to assist the shooter's family during their time of hardship.On Sunday, Thomas 'Jake' Sanford, 40, drove his truck into a church in Grand Blanc Township, shooting at congregants and subsequently setting the building ablaze. Four individuals lost their lives, and eight others were injured as a result of the incident. Sanford was shot and killed by police at the scene.Motivated by compassion for Sanford's family, Butler, who found himself deeply affected by the news, decided to create the fundraiser on GiveSendGo. His initial goal was to raise $10,000, a target he far exceeded within 48 hours as donations poured in from over 7,000 donors.Many contributors expressed their solidarity, emphasizing empathy towards the shooter's family while also seeking to embody the Christian principles of forgiveness that Butler highlighted. He stated, 'It feels like the right response—not seeking revenge, but extending love.' Although authorities have not disclosed Sanford's motive, friends shared that he had previously expressed disdain for the Latter-day Saints faith after a personal relationship in Utah. The attack is classified as a targeted act of violence.The fundraiser received backing from individuals identifying as members of the wider Latter-day Saints community, many adding messages of hope and support for the Sanford family. One contributor wrote, 'Praying for this family to feel loved and supported during these challenging times.' Lisa Louis, present at the chapel during the shooting, shared her immediate instinct to forgive the gunman, reflecting the profound impact of the tragedy on those connected to both the victims and the perpetrator. Butler remains engaged with the Sanford family, believing that the supportive messages from donors will resonate with them as they navigate their grief and seek healing. 'The event is awful,' he concluded. 'I hope that healing can come soon and that this can be part of the experience of healing.'
